5 Things To Do Near Mumbai Airport

Welcome to the first installment of our Mumbai series! Are you planning a visit to the city or just passing through on a layover? Either way, we’ve got you covered with this list of the top things to do near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. These recommendations will help you make the most of your time in Mumbai, whether it’s your first visit or not.

Best hotel near Mumbai Airport?

I stayed at The Grand Hotel at Ballard Estate, located in the Fort Area. It is one of the prime localities in Mumbai due to its proximity to several attractions. I will be posting a detailed review of the hotel soon.

How to reach Mumbai?

Mumbai is cosmopolitan and well-connected with almost every city in India. Moreover, its railway and air network is one of the busiest in India. I took an early morning flight from Delhi and reached Mumbai at 10 am. Taking an early flight allowed me to explore places near the airport.

Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

5 Things to do near Mumbai airport

Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra

The Mount Mary Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is a beautiful and historic place of worship in Bandra, Mumbai. Its Neo-gothic architectural style makes for a picturesque facade, making this a popular destination for celebrities and tourists. The best time to visit this church is during the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is followed by a week-long festival known as the Bandra Fair. I was totally mesmerized by the architecture and the location. It is truly a stunning piece of history and a must-visit in Mumbai. 

Note: Photography is not allowed within the premises, including phone photography. 

Bandra Fort 

Bandra Fort is an ancient fortress overlooking the Arabian sea, built by the Portuguese to serve as a watchtower. The fort provided potable water to the passing ships, hence was called Castella de Aguada. What you see now are the ruins. However, the city skyline looks marvelous from this place. 

Versova beach

Mumbai airport is very close to the coastline. In fact, the view right before landing is just breathtaking. I never miss a chance to make a video. Therefore, a visit to one of the closest beaches is a must. I recommend visiting Versova Beach. It is a 20-minutes drive from the airport and is a beautiful place to sit and relax. I would also recommend avoiding Juhu Beach. It is crowded and smells of dead fish. There is nothing special about Juhu beach, neither the view nor the vibe. So, I recommend you skip this and head to Versova beach instead.

Powai

If you have a layover in Mumbai, you should definitely check out Powai. It is just 5.6 km from the airport and is one of the best suburban districts in Mumbai, full of stunning architecture and a beautiful lake to explore. Grab a bite at a cafe in the Galleria market, and take a leisurely stroll to admire the architecture and the lake. While you are at the lake, keep an eye on the wildlife, from birds to crocodiles. I had the chance to visit Powai on my way back to the airport and was blown away by its beauty. Keep an eye out for more details in my future articles!

Explore The Celebrity Houses

If you are a Bollywood buff, this is one of the most fun things to do in Mumbai. Several Bollywood celebrities reside in Bandra and Juhu, making it the best place to spot your favorite celeb. However, remember to respect their boundaries and be courteous. You can simply walk or drive around to spot the houses. Mannat (SRK’s house) is near the Mount Mary Church, while Jalsa (Amitabh Bachchan) can be seen on the way to Prithvi Cafe in Juhu from Bandra.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, check out more things to do in Mumbai on the blog. If you have any suggestions I should cover in the future, let me know in the comments. I am always looking for new and exciting destinations to explore, and I would love to hear your recommendations.